Accessibility...
The museum is housed within a Victorian Police, Fire and Ambulance station so please be aware that access into and around the building can be limited. For this reason entry into the museum is charged at £5.50 for wheelchair users.
The majority of our building is accessible to those using a standard wheelchair. A lift is available to access all floors, and additional ramps and wider doors have been installed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Our cobbled courtyard can also be tricky for anyone with moderate to severe mobility issues, and there are occasional steps throughout our ground floor. Our main staircase has worn through years of use and can be uneven underfoot, so watch out for those! Please make sure you consider these details when visiting.
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Despite listing restrictions to our building, our staff are more than happy to help you as much as we can to ensure you make the most of your visit. If you have any concerns or need additional help, please speak to a member of staff.
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More information about access around our building can be found here: National Emergency Services Museum | AccessAble AccessAble is a third party organisation, we do our best to keep information as up to date as possible but some things may be subject to change from time to time.
Additional needs…
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Being housed in a grade II listed building means the museum's layout can be confusing in places.
We use lights, sounds, smoke and smells to bring history to life. Please ask our team for more information. Sensory friendly maps are available. These maps highlight areas of sounds, smells and other aspects which may be overloading to those with additional needs.
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Visitors can also make use of our new and improved sensory backpacks. They're free to use and contain a whole host of goodies for those who need a little extra support to enjoy everything NESM has to offer.
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Although we do not allow dogs or animals into the museum, we do allow support dogs around the building. We are a very friendly team of both staff and volunteers so please do ask for our support.
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Visitors requiring 1-to-1 support receive one free entry ticket for their essential carer or support worker into the museum (when accompanying a visitor on 1-to-1 support). This is valid for one free carer to one full paying visitor with a valid letter from the Department of Work and Pensions showing Carers Allowance or Employment ID if providing a service on behalf of a company.
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Make the most of your visit and download our sensory friendly map.
 Visitors are able to sit inside some of our vehicles. These are clearly marked with steps and the 'PLAY' symbol. |  The main staircase has worn and uneven steps. A handrail is fitted to one side. |  The outside area of the museum is on two levels with a ramp between. The flooring is a mix of concrete and compressed stone. |
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 Uneven floor for effect throughout part of the 'For King and Country' exhibition. |  Change in flooring types can be found between some ground floor exhibitions from concrete to cobblestones. |  Some worn/small steps between doors can be found on the ground floor. |
 Uneven steps can be found in the Engine House exhibition. Access can be gained to both the top and bottom levels via alternative routes. |  Four steps are located between the cobbled yard and the museum entrance. This area can also be accessed step-free via the cells and police gallery. |  Exhibition lighting can differ between some exhibitions. |
 There is step into the museum entrance. |  Toilets are located on the ground and first floors of the museum. |  Ramp access between lower and upper police station levels. |
 Main cobbled floor levels differ in places. |  Visitors can view the Lifeboat wheelhouse from this staircase. |  Additional ramps have been added wherever possible. |
 Inside view of museum lift. |  Access to all floors is available via this lift. |  Internal view inside the lift. |